Project: Snowblind (PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox)

PROJECT: SNOWBLIND takes place in 2065 in Hong Kong in the year 2065. An insane general with plans for world domination has taken over. Enter the International Army's Lt. Frost, a bio-enhanced soldier who, while stranded behind enemy lines, must save the world.

As one of many soldiers fighting off an attack force, your introduction into Frost's world is intense. You must figure out how to use weapons such as grenades, machine gun/grenade launcher, pistol, etc. during the heat of realistic battle scenes. Just when the controls and equipment begin to feel familiar, your character is nearly killed -- and this is where the game truly begins. By the end of a game, Frost has acquired a long list of weapons and special skills, including five or six types of blasters, at least four types of grenades, invisibility, ballistic armor, and so on.

Some of the game's interesting features include the ability to slow time for other players and shoot lightning, and grenades with special uses like one that turns into a spider-like robot that intercepts fire and attacks foes. Artificial intelligence is sophisticated: Enemies lie in wait, trap, and stalk you and are quick to pick up on your presence and attack, even from a distance. The environments are both haunting and beautiful, and there is a battlefield quality to in-city fighting. The only weak parts are the driving sequences.

Make no mistake: This game is about shooting and blowing up just about everything you see, but it isn't quite as violent as many games in the genre. There is blood when you shoot someone, but it is hardly noticeable. And while the game does assume military duty and honor is more important than life -- an intense concept for younger players -- Frost is fighting for good. Overall, this is a fun and addictive game with details that set it apart from the pack.